Inventory management system, inventory management method, and inventory management program

Abstract

This invention provides an inventory management system, an inventory management method, and an inventory management program that reduce errors in labeling inventory by issuing inventory labels with a two-dimensional barcode containing inventory information as a key prior to processing. [Solution] The inventory management system according to this embodiment is capable of accessing inventory data, processing instruction issuance data, and processing instruction acceptance data, and the control unit is characterized by comprising: processing instruction creation means for creating processing instructions; processing instruction issuance means for issuing the processing instructions; reading means for acquiring information including product codes from the processing instructions and inventory labels having two-dimensional barcodes attached to the materials to be used; inventory label issuance means for issuing inventory labels having two-dimensional barcodes to be attached to processed products prior to processing the products, when the product code on the processing instructions matches the product code on the inventory labels; and data generation means.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inventory management system, an inventory management method, and an inventory management program.

Background Art

[0002] In the steel industry, inventory management is carried out by attaching labels with information such as product codes, management numbers, and quantities to inventory items. When receiving or delivering inventory, or during physical inventory, a handy terminal is used to read the label information and perform business processes.

[0003] Patent Document 1 relates to a method for constructing a logistics business system, which includes a modeling step of abstractly modeling operations and data in the logistics business so that a workflow related to the logistics business can be generated using a general-purpose workflow engine, and a generation step of generating the workflow using the workflow engine based on the operations and data abstractly modeled in the modeling step (Claim 1). It discloses a configuration in which an inventory label is issued when an operator finishes the incoming goods operation, and when another operator scans the inventory label, inventory registration and creation of movement work instructions are performed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, when the inventory quantity of materials changes due to processing of the materials into products, it is necessary to reattach a new inventory label. In addition, since the inventory label of the processed product is issued and attached after processing and registering the results, there is a problem that the risk of misattachment increases.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide an inventory management system, an inventory management method, and an inventory management program that reduce errors in attaching inventory labels by issuing inventory labels with a two-dimensional barcode containing inventory information as a key prior to processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the present invention provides an inventory management system comprising a control unit and an inventory management system that issues inventory labels for products, and is able to access inventory data that manages information including product codes, management numbers, and current stock quantities of materials and products, processing instruction issuance data that instructs the processing of materials, and processing instruction receipt data that stores information including management numbers of products processed based on the processing instruction issuance data, and the control unit provides processing instruction creation means for creating processing instructions based on the processing instruction issuance data and the processing instruction receipt data, processing instruction issuance means for issuing the processing instructions, and uses the processing instructions to process The system is characterized by comprising: a reading means for acquiring information including the product code of the material to be processed, and for acquiring information including the product code from an inventory label having a two-dimensional barcode attached to the material to be used; an inventory label issuing means for issuing an inventory label having a two-dimensional barcode to be attached to the processed product prior to processing the product, if the product code of the processing instruction sheet acquired by the reading means matches the product code of the inventory label; and a data generation means for creating HT allocation data that holds reservation information of the material to be used in processing the product, if the product code of the processing instruction sheet acquired by the reading means matches the product code of the inventory label.

[0008] Furthermore, the present invention provides an inventory management method to be executed by an inventory management system that includes a control unit and issues inventory labels for products, and is able to access inventory data which manages information including product codes, management numbers and current stock quantities of materials and products, processing instruction disbursement data which instructs the processing of materials, and processing instruction receipt data which stores information including management numbers of products processed based on the processing instruction disbursement data, and is to be executed by the control unit, a processing instruction creation step which creates a processing instruction sheet based on the processing instruction disbursement data and the processing instruction receipt data, a processing instruction issuance step which issues the processing instruction sheet, and the materials to be used for processing from the processing instruction sheet The system is characterized by including: a reading step of obtaining information including the product code and information including the product code from an inventory label having a two-dimensional barcode attached to the material to be used; an inventory label issuing step of issuing an inventory label having a two-dimensional barcode to be attached to the processed product prior to processing the product, if the product code of the processing instruction obtained in the reading step matches the product code of the inventory label; and a data generation step of creating HT allocation data that holds reservation information for the material to be used in processing the product, if the product code of the processing instruction obtained in the reading step matches the product code of the inventory label.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention provides access to inventory data which manages information including product codes, management numbers, and current stock quantities of materials and products; processing instruction disbursement data which instructs the processing of materials; and processing instruction receipt data which stores information including management numbers of products processed based on the processing instruction disbursement data. The control unit provides a processing instruction creation step which creates a processing instruction sheet based on the processing instruction disbursement data and the processing instruction receipt data; a processing instruction issuance step which issues the processing instruction sheet; and a processing instruction issuance step which issues the processing instruction sheet which provides information on the materials to be used for processing. The system is characterized by performing the following steps: a reading step to obtain information including a product code and information including a product code from an inventory label having a two-dimensional barcode attached to the material to be used; an inventory label issuing step to issue an inventory label having a two-dimensional barcode to be attached to the processed product prior to processing the product, if the product code of the processing instruction sheet obtained in the reading step matches the product code of the inventory label; and a data generation step to create HT allocation data that holds reservation information for the material to be used in processing the product, if the product code of the processing instruction sheet obtained in the reading step matches the product code of the inventory label. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, prior to processing, material allocation reservations are made, and inventory labels with a two-dimensional barcode containing inventory information keys are issued, enabling access to the latest inventory information and reducing errors in attaching inventory labels incorrectly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inventory management system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the processing flow of an inventory management system. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of inventory data and HT allocation data. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram showing an example of processing instruction payout data and processing instruction receipt data. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a processing instruction sheet. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram for explaining reading of a processing instruction sheet by a handy terminal. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining reading of an inventory label by a handy terminal. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining reading of an inventory label by a handy terminal. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram showing an example of an issued inventory label. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of HT appropriation data. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of inventory data. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram for explaining reading of an inventory label by a handy terminal. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a diagram for explaining reading of an inventory label by a handy terminal. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of an issued inventory label. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of HT appropriation data. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of inventory data. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a diagram for explaining attachment of an inventory label to a product. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a diagram showing an example of processing payout data and processing receipt data. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of inventory data and appropriation data.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0013] [1. Configuration] Referring to FIG. 1, an example of the configuration of the inventory management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the inventory management system 1.

[0014] The inventory management system 1 includes an inventory management device 100, a server 200, a network 300, an input device 400, an output device 500, a handy terminal 600, and a label printer 700.

[0015] The inventory management device 100 is a commercially available desktop personal computer. Note that the inventory management device 100 is not limited to a stationary information processing system such as a desktop personal computer, and may be a portable information processing device such as a commercially available notebook personal computer, PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), smartphone, or tablet personal computer.

[0016] The inventory management device 100 includes a control unit 102, a communication interface unit 104, a storage unit 106, and an input / output interface unit 108. Each unit included in the inventory management device 100 is communicably connected via an arbitrary communication path.

[0017] The communication interface unit 104 communicably connects the inventory management device 100 to the network 300 via a communication device such as a router and a wired or wireless communication line such as a dedicated line. The communication interface unit 104 has a function of communicating data with other devices via a communication line. Here, the network 300 has a function of communicably connecting the inventory management device 100, the server 200, the handy terminal 600, and the label printer 700 to each other, and is, for example, the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0018] The input / output interface unit 108 is connected to an input device 400 and an output device 500. The output device 500 can be a monitor (including a home television), a speaker, or a printer. The input device 400 can be a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, or a monitor that works in conjunction with the mouse to provide pointing device functionality. In the following, the output device 500 may be referred to as the monitor 500, and the input device 400 as the keyboard 400 or mouse 400. Also, the display of information on the monitor 500 and the user's operation of the input device 400 may be referred to as "user operation via UI".

[0019] The memory unit 106 stores various databases, tables, and files. The memory unit 106 also stores computer programs that work in cooperation with the OS (Operating System) to give instructions to the CPU (Central Processing Unit) to perform various processes. As the memory unit 106, for example, memory devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), fixed disk devices such as hard disks, flexible disks, and optical disks can be used.

[0020] The memory unit 106 stores, for example, inventory data 106a, HT allocation data 106b, processing instruction disbursement data 106c, processing instruction receipt data 106d, processing disbursement data 106e, processing receipt data 106f, and so on.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3 as an example, inventory data 106a stores information including product code, management number, product name, inventory quantity, current inventory weight, available quantity, available weight, and receiving date. The current inventory quantity is the quantity actually stocked in the warehouse, and the available quantity is the actual stocked quantity minus reservations for processing, etc.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3 as an example, HT allocation data 106b stores information including product code, management number, product name, number of allocated personnel, quantity of allocated assets, processing instruction number, line number, valid FLG, update user name, update date and time, and product management number. In HT allocation data 106b-1 shown in Figure 3, no data is stored because the material has not yet been allocated.

[0023] The processing instruction data 106c contains data about the processing instructions for the material. As shown in an example in Figure 4, the processing instruction data 106c stores the processing instruction number, line number, product code of the material to be used, product name, management number, quantity, and weight. Since the material to be used for processing is left to the discretion of the processing site, when the processing instruction data 106c is created, the product code of the material is specified, but the management number is not specified and is left blank.

[0024] The processing instruction receipt data 106d is data on products processed based on the processing instruction disbursement data 106c. As shown in an example in Figure 4, the processing instruction receipt data 106d stores the processing instruction number, line number, product code of the processed product, product name, management number, quantity, and weight.

[0025] The processing and disbursement data 106e contains data about the materials actually used in processing. As shown in an example in Figure 18, the processing and disbursement data 106e stores the processing instruction number, line number, product code of the material used, product name, management number, instruction quantity, and instruction weight.

[0026] Processing acceptance data 106f contains data about the products that have actually been processed. As shown in an example in Figure 18, processing acceptance data 106f stores the processing instruction number, line number, product code of the processed product, product name, management number, instruction quantity, instruction weight, and the base material used line for the materials used.

[0027] The control unit 102 is a CPU or similar component that comprehensively controls the inventory management system 1. The control unit 102 has internal memory for storing control programs such as the OS, programs that define various processing procedures, and required data, and executes various information processing based on these stored programs.

[0028] Functionally, the control unit 102 comprises a processing instruction creation unit 102a and a data generation unit 102b.

[0029] The processing instruction creation unit 102a creates a processing instruction MA based on the processing instruction issuance data 106c and the processing instruction receipt data 106d. Figure 5 shows an example of a processing instruction MA. The processing instruction MA contains information on the materials to be processed and information on the products to be processed, and is accompanied by a one-dimensional barcode that includes the product code of the materials to be used and information on the number of processing instructions.

[0030] The data generation unit 102b creates HT allocation data 106b, which holds reservation information for materials used in processing the product. The data generation unit 102b also creates material processing disbursement data 106e and product processing acceptance data 106f, using the processing instruction number stored in processing instruction disbursement data 106c or processing instruction acceptance data 106d as the key. Furthermore, after the processing disbursement data 106e and processing acceptance data 106f are finalized, the data generation unit 102b updates the inventory data 106a.

[0031] The output means 500 outputs (prints) the processing instruction sheet MA. The output means 500 functions as a processing instruction sheet issuing means.

[0032] The handheld terminal 600 acquires information including the product code and quantity of the material to be used for processing from the one-dimensional barcode on the processing instruction sheet MA. The handheld terminal 600 also acquires information including the product code and management number from the inventory label, which has a two-dimensional barcode attached to the material to be used. The two-dimensional barcode on the inventory label holds only the information necessary to reference inventory information, namely the product code and management number. Using the held product code and management number as keys, the handheld terminal 600 acquires the latest information from the inventory data 106a, for example, the usable quantity of the material. In this embodiment, the handheld terminal 600 functions as a reading means. Furthermore, the handheld terminal 600 displays the usable quantity of the material acquired from the inventory data 106a and the processing instruction quantity specified in the processing instruction sheet MA on a display unit such as an LCD. A QR code (registered trademark) can be suitably used as the two-dimensional barcode.

[0033] The label printer 700 issues inventory labels with two-dimensional barcodes to be affixed to processed products. The label printer 700 functions as an inventory label issuing means. Although it is also possible to use the output device 500 as the inventory label issuing means, it is preferable to use the label printer 700 as the inventory label issuing means from the viewpoint of being able to quickly affix the labels to processed products.

[0034] [2. Processing] Here, we will explain specific examples of processes performed by inventory management system 1 with reference to Figures 2 to 19.

[0035] In the steel industry, inventory management is carried out by attaching inventory labels containing information such as product codes, management numbers, and quantities to inventory items. Handheld terminals are used to read the information on the inventory labels when receiving, issuing, withdrawing, or taking inventory, and to process the business operations.

[0036] For example, when processing materials, the processing instructions issued before processing are checked, the materials to be used for processing are taken from the material storage area, and then brought to the processing area. Traditionally, when processing materials to produce products, the number of items to be processed in the processing instructions may differ from the actual number of items produced by processing. Therefore, inventory labels were issued only after accurate inventory information was registered after processing. Since these inventory labels were issued in an office or other location far from the production site where inventory information was registered, there was a risk of human error such as mislabeling.

[0037] Furthermore, while it is necessary to allocate only the quantity needed for processing and issue and reapply new inventory labels with updated inventory numbers for the remaining materials, the issuance of these labels only occurs after the inventory information has been registered. This makes it difficult to obtain the latest inventory information, resulting in difficulties in using the materials for other processing tasks.

[0038] In this embodiment of the inventory management system 1, inventory labels are issued prior to product processing by attaching a two-dimensional barcode with a key that allows access to inventory data 106a to the inventory label. Even when inventory labels are issued in advance, the latest inventory information can be accessed by reading the two-dimensional barcode on the inventory label with a handheld terminal. Furthermore, since inventory labels can be issued at the processing site, it is possible to prevent errors in attaching inventory labels.

[0039] First, the processing in the inventory management system 1 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the processing flow of the inventory management system 1. In Figure 2, the process of cutting 30 sheets of product code "Z100" as raw material and processing them into 90 products of product code "S100" will be explained as an example.

[0040] First, when the user inputs the processing instructions, the data generation unit 102b creates processing instruction disbursement data 106c and processing instruction acceptance data 106d based on the input information. Subsequently, the processing instruction creation unit 102a creates a processing instruction MA based on the processing instruction disbursement data 106c and processing instruction acceptance data 106d, and the output means 500 issues the processing instruction MA.

[0041] The worker goes to the material storage area with the issued processing order, reads the one-dimensional barcode on the processing order using the handheld terminal 600, and obtains the "product code" and processing quantity of the material to be used, as well as the product code, management number, and quantity of the product to be processed.

[0042] Next, the worker scans the QR code attached to the material being used with the handheld terminal 600 to obtain the material's product code and management number. The handheld terminal 600 then determines whether the product code on the processing instruction sheet MA matches the product code on the inventory label. In this case, the product code "Z100" on the instruction sheet and the product code "Z100" on the inventory label are the same, so a match is determined.

[0043] If the product codes match, the handheld terminal 600 uses the acquired product code and management number of the material as keys to retrieve the available quantity of the material to be used from inventory data 106a. It retrieves "100" available quantities from inventory data 106a. Since the available quantity is greater than the processing quantity specified in the instruction sheet, an inventory allocation reservation and an inventory label for the product to be processed are issued. If the available quantity is less than the processing quantity, similar operations such as product code verification and acquisition of available quantities are performed for other materials. However, issuing an inventory label each time the material is read is preferable to prevent mislabeling.

[0044] Inventory allocation reservations are made by the data generation unit 102b creating HT allocation data 106b. The two-dimensional barcodes attached to the materials used only hold the product code and management number. At this stage, the material inventory data 106a has not been updated with current stock levels, available stock levels, etc. However, by reading the two-dimensional barcode at this stage, the latest inventory information can be obtained by referring to the HT allocation data 106b. Note that when obtaining the latest inventory information by referring to the HT allocation data 106b, the inventory quantity is subtracted only if the valid FLG is "○ (valid)".

[0045] After the raw materials are processed into products, the previously issued inventory labels are affixed to the products. These inventory labels include a two-dimensional barcode containing the product code and management number.

[0046] After product processing, the data generation unit 102b uses the processing instruction number as a key to create actual data (processing discharge data 106e of the materials actually used in processing, and processing receipt data 106f of the processed products), updates the inventory data 106a, and releases the HT allocation data 106b (invalidates the active FLG).

[0047] Next, referring to the diagram, the processing in the inventory management system 1 will be explained in detail. Figure 3 shows an example of inventory data 106a and HT allocation data 106b. As shown in Figure 3, according to inventory data 106a-1, there are three types of inventory for the sheet material with product code "Z100": management numbers "L100", "L101", and "L102". The three types of inventory are the same product, differing only in management number and current quantity. Also, management number "L101" has a current quantity of "100" sheets, but the number of usable sheets is "80". For management number "L101", there is a processing reservation for "20" out of "100" sheets, so the actual usable quantity is "80" sheets. HT allocation data 106b-1 does not have any allocation reservations, so no data is stored.

[0048] When a user inputs processing instructions for material with product code "Z100", the data generation unit 102b generates processing instruction output data 106c and processing instruction receipt data 106d as shown in Figure 4. The processing instruction number is automatically assigned, and the management number for the processing instruction output data is not specified, as it is left to the discretion of the on-site worker. According to Figure 4, a processing instruction has been issued to produce 100 units of product code "S100" with vinyl lamination using sheet material with product code "Z100".

[0049] After the processing instruction issuance data 106c and processing instruction receipt data 106d are registered, when the input for processing instruction issuance is received, the processing instruction creation unit 102a creates a processing instruction MA based on the processing instruction issuance data 106c and processing instruction receipt data 106d, and the output means 500 prints the processing instruction MA.

[0050] Figure 5 shows an example of a processing instruction sheet (MA). The processing instruction sheet (MA) includes the processing deadline, processing details (vinyl lamination), material information, and product information, as well as a one-dimensional barcode containing information about the product code of the materials used and the number of items to be processed. The contents of the processing instruction sheet (MA) are obtained by scanning this one-dimensional barcode with the handheld terminal 600.

[0051] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the reading of the processing instruction sheet MA by the handheld terminal 600. After the message "Please scan the barcode on the instruction sheet" is displayed on the LCD screen of the handheld terminal 600, the barcode on the processing instruction sheet MA is scanned. Upon scanning, the handheld terminal 600 obtains the product code of the material to be used (Z100) and the number of processing instructions (100 sheets). The number of processing instructions is displayed on the screen.

[0052] Materials stored in the warehouse are marked with an inventory label MB-1, and workers identify the material they will use based on its name (1 x 100 x 500). After the worker has identified the material, they scan the 2D barcode on the MB-1 inventory label attached to the material using a handheld terminal 600.

[0053] Figure 8 illustrates the reading of the inventory label MB-1 by the handheld terminal 600. After the message "Please scan the label of the base material to be used" is displayed on the LCD screen of the handheld terminal 600, the two-dimensional barcode on the inventory label MB-1 is scanned. By scanning the two-dimensional barcode, the handheld terminal 600 obtains the material's product code "Z100" and management number "L100".

[0054] The handheld terminal 600 compares the product code on the processing instruction sheet MA with the product code on the inventory label MB-1. If a match is found, it uses the material's product code "Z100" and management number "L100" as keys to refer to inventory data 106a and retrieve the available quantity. In inventory data 106a, the available quantity for management number "L100" is "30". Since the available quantity (30) is less than the remaining quantity to be processed (100), the available quantity becomes the processed quantity (allocated quantity). Upon retrieving the available quantity, the handheld terminal 600 displays the processed quantity (30) along with the instruction quantity (100) on its display unit.

[0055] Furthermore, prior to processing the product, the label printer 700 issues an inventory label with a two-dimensional barcode to be affixed to the processed product. Figure 9 shows an example of an issued inventory label MB-2. The inventory label MB-2 displays the product name "1×100×500 vinyl-covered," the management number "L200," and a two-dimensional barcode containing the product code "S100" and the management number "L200" as information. The issued inventory label MB-2 is stored together with the materials to be used.

[0056] The handheld terminal 600 compares the product code on the processing instruction sheet MA with the product code on the inventory label MB-1. If a match is found, the data generation unit 102b updates the HT allocation data 106b-1, which holds reservation information for the materials used in processing the product.

[0057] Figure 10 shows an example of the updated HT allocation data 106b-2. The HT allocation data 106b-2 holds information regarding the reservation of the allocation of materials used in processing. This HT allocation data 106b-2 does not update inventory, but rather confirms the reservation status. The HT allocation data 106b-2 has an active FLG item, and if the active FLG is "○ (active)", it means that the material is reserved. After processing results are registered, the active FLG is updated to "× (inactive)". If the 2D barcode of the remaining inventory is scanned while the active FLG is "○ (active)", the HT allocation data 106b-2 is used together with the inventory data 106a-1 to calculate the remaining quantity. In addition, the HT allocation data 106b-2 is stored linked to the management number of the product produced by the processing of the material. After the material is allocated, the inventory data 106a-1 of the material used is updated. Figure 11 shows an example of the updated inventory data 106a-2. In inventory data 106a-2, the usable quantity of the used material (management number "L100") has been updated from "30" to "0", and the usable weight has been updated from "300" kg to "0" kg.

[0058] After the issuance of inventory label MB-2 and the creation of HT allocation data 106b-2, the materials are processed into products. After processing is complete, the pre-issued inventory label MB-2 is affixed to the products.

[0059] As described above, the products are processed, but in the processing instruction sheet MA, the number of instructed processing units is "100," and only "30" units are to be processed. Therefore, the worker further selects the materials to be used for processing and scans the inventory label MB-3 attached to the materials with the handheld terminal 600.

[0060] Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the reading of the inventory label MB-3 by the handheld terminal 600. After the message "Please scan the label of the base material to be used" is displayed on the LCD screen of the handheld terminal 600, the two-dimensional barcode on the inventory label MB-3 is scanned. By scanning the two-dimensional barcode, the handheld terminal 600 obtains the material's product code "Z100" and management number "L101".

[0061] The handheld terminal 600 compares the product code on the processing instruction sheet MA with the product code on the inventory label MB-3. If a match is found, it uses the material's product code "Z100" and management number "L101" as keys to refer to inventory data 106a and retrieve the available quantity. In inventory data 106a, the available quantity for management number "L101" is "80". Since the available quantity (80) is greater than the remaining quantity to be processed (100-30=70), the remaining quantity becomes the allocated quantity. Upon obtaining the allocated quantity, the handheld terminal 600 displays the number of processed items as the number of items processed (100), which is the sum of the previously processed quantity (30) and the current allocated quantity (70). As the number of instructions and the number of processed items become the same, the "Processing Complete" button is displayed on the display.

[0062] Furthermore, for products manufactured by processing materials with product code "Z100" and management number "L101", the label printer 700 issues inventory labels with two-dimensional barcodes. Figure 14 shows an example of an issued inventory label MB-4. The inventory label MB-4 has the product name of the processed product "1×100×500 vinyl-covered", management number "L201", and a two-dimensional barcode containing the product code "S100" and management number "L201" as information. The issued inventory label MB-4 is stored together with the materials to be used.

[0063] The handheld terminal 600 compares the product code on the processing instruction sheet MA with the product code on the inventory label MB-3. If a match is found, the data generation unit 102b updates the HT allocation data 106b-2, which holds reservation information for the materials used in processing the product.

[0064] Figure 15 shows an example of the updated HT allocation data 106b-3. In HT allocation data 106b-3, reservation information for the material with product code "Z100" and management number "L101" has been added and updated. In addition, after the material is allocated, the inventory data 106a-2 of the material used is updated. Figure 16 shows an example of the updated inventory data 106a-3. In inventory data 106a-3, the usable quantity of the used material (management number "L101") has been updated from "80" to "10", and the usable weight has been updated from "800" kg to "100" kg.

[0065] After the issuance of inventory label MB-4 and the update of HT allocation data 106b-3, the material is processed into a product. After processing is complete, the pre-issued inventory label MB-4 is affixed to the product. Figure 17 illustrates the affixing of inventory labels to products. As shown in Figure 17, inventory label MB-2 is affixed to product code "S100" and management number "L200", which are processed from material with product code "Z100" and management number "L100", and inventory label MB-4 is affixed to product code "S100" and management number "L201", which are processed from material with product code "Z100" and management number "L101". From the viewpoint of preventing misapplication, it is preferable to affix inventory labels MB-2 and MB-4 individually after processing.

[0066] After processing is complete, the data generation unit 102b uses the processing instruction number stored in the processing instruction disbursement data 106c as a key to create processing disbursement data 106e for the materials actually used in processing and processing acceptance data 106f for the products that were actually processed. Figure 18 shows an example of processing disbursement data 106e and processing acceptance data 106f. The information required for processing disbursement data 106e and processing acceptance data 106f is obtained from HT allocation data 106b-3. Processing acceptance data 106f has a specification base material row corresponding to the product management number in HT allocation data 106b-3, and the relationship between the materials used and the products can be traced from the specification base material row.

[0067] If the number of products manufactured through processing differs from the number of processing instructions, the user changes the instruction quantity and instruction weight in the processing acceptance data 106f and registers it. After the processing discharge data 106e and processing acceptance data 106f are finalized, the data generation unit 102b updates the inventory data 102a-3.

[0068] Figure 19 shows an example of inventory data 106a-4, 106a-5, and HT allocation data 106b-4. In inventory data 106a-4, the current inventory quantity for product code "Z100" and management number "L100" is updated to "0" units and the current inventory weight to "0" kg, while the current inventory quantity for product code "Z100" and management number "L101" is updated to "30" units and the current inventory weight to "300" kg. In addition, inventory data 106a-5 is created for newly processed products. Inventory data 106a-5 is created based on processing acceptance data 106f. Furthermore, after updating inventory data 106a-4 and 106a-5, the valid FLG is set to "× (invalid)" as shown in HT allocation data 106b-4. When reading inventory labels MB-1 and MB-3, HT allocation data 106b-4 is not considered, and only inventory data 106a-4 is referenced.

[0069] In the inventory management system 1 according to this embodiment, inventory labels hold keys (product code, management number) that allow inventory information to be retrieved. By updating the HT allocation data along with the issuance of inventory labels, the latest inventory information can be obtained by referring to the updated HT allocation data and inventory data when reading the inventory label. Furthermore, it is possible to eliminate the effort of issuing new inventory labels for remaining materials. In addition, by issuing inventory labels prior to processing, it is possible to prevent errors in labeling.

[0070] [3. Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] This embodiment can contribute to improving operational efficiency and promoting appropriate management decisions by companies, thereby contributing to SDGs Goals 8 and 9.

[0071] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to reducing waste and promoting paperless and digital processes, thereby contributing to SDGs Goals 12, 13, and 15.

[0072] Furthermore, this embodiment can contribute to strengthening control and governance, thereby enabling contributions to SDG Goal 16.

[0073] [4. Other Embodiments] In addition to the embodiments described above, the present invention may be implemented in various different embodiments within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims.

[0074] For example, among the processes described in the embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by known methods.

[0075] Furthermore, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including parameters such as registration data and search conditions for each process, screen examples, and database configuration shown in this specification and in the drawings may be changed at will unless otherwise specified.

[0076] Furthermore, with respect to inventory management system 1, each component shown in the diagram is a functional concept and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown.

[0077] For example, the processing functions of the inventory management system 1, particularly those performed by the control unit, may be implemented in whole or in part by a CPU and a program interpreted and executed by the CPU, or they may be implemented as wired logic hardware. The program is recorded on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium containing programmed instructions for causing the information processing device to execute the processing described in this embodiment, and is mechanically read by the inventory management system 1 as needed. That is, a storage unit such as ROM or HDD (Hard Disk Drive) stores a computer program that works in cooperation with the OS to give instructions to the CPU and perform various processing tasks. This computer program is executed by being loaded into RAM and works in cooperation with the CPU to constitute the control unit.

[0078] Furthermore, this computer program may be stored on an application program server connected to the inventory management system 1 via any network, and it is possible to download all or part of it as needed.

[0079] Furthermore, the program for executing the processing described in this embodiment may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium, or it may be configured as a program product. Here, "recording medium" includes any "portable physical medium" such as memory cards, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, SD (Secure Digital) cards, flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, EPROMs (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROMs (Registered Trademark) (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory), CD-ROMs (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), MOs (Magneto-Optical disks), DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), and Blu-ray (Registered Trademark) Discs.

[0080] Furthermore, "program" refers to a data processing method described in any language or writing method, regardless of its format, such as source code or binary code. Note that "program" is not necessarily limited to a single, monolithic structure; it also includes distributed structures consisting of multiple modules or libraries, and those that work in cooperation with other programs, such as an operating system, to achieve their functions. Regarding the specific configuration and reading procedures for reading the recording medium in each device shown in the embodiments, as well as the installation procedures after reading, well-known configurations and procedures can be used.

[0081] The various databases stored in the memory unit are storage means such as RAM, ROM, other memory devices, hard disks, flexible disks, and optical disks, and store various programs, tables, databases, and web page files used for various processes and website provision.

[0082] Furthermore, the inventory management system 1 may be configured as an information processing device such as a known personal computer or workstation, or as an information processing device to which any peripheral devices are connected. Alternatively, the inventory management system 1 may be implemented by installing software (including programs or data, etc.) that enables the processing described in this embodiment on the device.

[0083] Furthermore, the specific forms of distribution and integration of the devices are not limited to those shown in the illustration, and all or part of them can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating them in any unit according to various additions or functional loads. In other words, the embodiments described above may be implemented in any combination, or the embodiments may be implemented selectively. [Industrial applicability]

[0084] This invention is particularly useful in industries involved in the processing and manufacturing of steel, chemicals, and other materials. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 1. Inventory Management System 100 Inventory Management Devices 102 Control Unit 102a Processing Instruction Creation Department 102b Data Generation Unit 104 Communication Interface Section 106 Storage section 106a Inventory Data 106b HT allocation data 106c Processing instruction disbursement data 106d Processing instruction acceptance data 106e Processing and Discharge Data 106f Processing Acceptance Data 108 Input / Output Interface Section 200 servers 300 Networks 400 Input Devices 500 Output Device 600 Handheld Terminals 700 Label Printers

Claims

1. An inventory management system equipped with a control unit that issues inventory labels for products, Inventory data that manages information including product codes, management numbers, and current stock levels of materials and products, Processing instruction data that instructs the processing of materials, Processing instruction acceptance data which stores information including the management number of the product processed based on the processing instruction issuance data, Accessible, The control unit, A processing instruction creation means that creates a processing instruction document based on the processing instruction issuance data and the processing instruction receipt data, A processing instruction issuing means for issuing the aforementioned processing instruction sheet, A reading means that obtains information including the product code of the material to be used for processing from the aforementioned processing instruction sheet, and also obtains information including the product code from an inventory label having a two-dimensional barcode attached to the material to be used. If the product code of the processing instruction sheet acquired by the reading means matches the product code of the inventory label, the inventory label issuing means issues an inventory label having a two-dimensional barcode to be affixed to the processed product prior to processing the product. If the product code of the processing instruction sheet acquired by the reading means matches the product code of the inventory label, a data generation means creates HT allocation data that holds reservation information for the materials used in processing the product. An inventory management system characterized by having the following features.

2. The reading means uses the product code and management number obtained from the inventory label having a two-dimensional barcode attached to the material as keys to refer to the inventory data to obtain the usable quantity of the material, and outputs the number of processing instructions specified in the processing instruction sheet and the number of usable materials to be processed. The inventory management system according to feature 1.

3. The data generation means uses the processing instruction number stored in the processing instruction issuance data as a key to create processing issuance data of the material actually used for processing and processing acceptance data of the processed product after the material has been processed into a product. The number of processing instructions for the processing output data and processing receiving data created by the data generation means can be changed by the user. The data generation means updates the inventory data after the processing output data and processing acceptance data have been finalized. The inventory management system according to feature 1.

4. An inventory management method to be executed by an inventory management system equipped with a control unit that issues inventory labels for products, Inventory data that manages information including product codes, management numbers, and current stock levels of materials and products, Processing instruction data that instructs the processing of materials, Processing instruction acceptance data which stores information including the management number of the product processed based on the processing instruction issuance data, Accessible, To be executed by the control unit, A processing instruction creation step, which creates a processing instruction document based on the processing instruction issuance data and the processing instruction acceptance data, A processing instruction issuance step for issuing the aforementioned processing instruction, A reading step which involves obtaining information including the product code of the material to be processed from the processing instruction sheet, and obtaining information including the product code from the inventory label having a two-dimensional barcode attached to the material to be used, If the product code of the processing instruction sheet obtained in the reading step matches the product code of the inventory label, the inventory label issuance step involves issuing an inventory label having a two-dimensional barcode to be affixed to the processed product prior to processing the product. If the product code of the processing instruction sheet obtained in the reading step matches the product code of the inventory label, a data generation step is performed to create HT allocation data that holds reservation information for the materials used in processing the product. An inventory management method characterized by including [this].

5. An inventory management program to be executed by an inventory management system equipped with a control unit that issues inventory labels for products, Inventory data that manages information including product codes, management numbers, and current stock levels of materials and products, Processing instruction data that instructs the processing of materials, Processing instruction acceptance data which stores information including the management number of the product processed based on the processing instruction issuance data, Accessible, The control unit, A processing instruction creation step, which creates a processing instruction document based on the processing instruction issuance data and the processing instruction acceptance data, A processing instruction issuance step for issuing the aforementioned processing instruction, A reading step which involves obtaining information including the product code of the material to be processed from the processing instruction sheet, and obtaining information including the product code from the inventory label having a two-dimensional barcode attached to the material to be used, If the product code of the processing instruction sheet obtained in the reading step matches the product code of the inventory label, the inventory label issuance step involves issuing an inventory label having a two-dimensional barcode to be affixed to the processed product prior to processing the product. If the product code of the processing instruction sheet obtained in the reading step matches the product code of the inventory label, a data generation step is performed to create HT allocation data that holds reservation information for the materials used in processing the product. An inventory management program characterized by its ability to execute certain actions.

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